Trump Policies Threaten International Student Enrollment at Wisconsin Universities

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways

• Trump administration paused all new F-1 and J-1 visa interviews globally on May 28, 2025.
• UW-Madison has 7,626 international students; 53.2% are Chinese, heavily impacted by visa policies.
• Visa freezes may cause enrollment drops, financial losses, and research disruptions in Wisconsin universities.

On May 28, 2025, the Trump administration ordered a worldwide pause on all new student and exchange visitor visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates. This sudden move, confirmed by the U.S. State Department, has sent shockwaves through universities in Wisconsin, especially UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee (UWM), and Concordia University. These schools rely heavily on international students for tuition, research, and campus diversity. The new policy, combined with stricter background checks and the threat of visa revocations for Chinese students, is expected to cause a sharp drop in international student enrollment for the Fall 2025 semester.

What Has Changed for International Students?

Trump Policies Threaten International Student Enrollment at Wisconsin Universities

The Trump administration’s latest actions have made it much harder for students from other countries to study in the United States 🇺🇸. Here’s what’s happening:

Visa Interview Freeze: As of late May 2025, no new student (F-1) or exchange visitor (J-1) visa interviews are being scheduled anywhere in the world. This means students who want to start their studies in Fall 2025 cannot get the required visa appointments.
Increased Vetting: Since January 20, 2025, all new and renewal visa applications for international students face tougher background checks. This includes reviewing applicants’ social media and looking for any protest activity, especially related to the war in Gaza.
Possible Revocation of Chinese Student Visas: The Trump administration has said it may cancel visas for Chinese students. This could affect tens of thousands of students across the United States 🇺🇸, with a big impact on schools like UW-Madison, where Chinese students make up more than half of the international student body.

Why Does This Matter for Wisconsin Universities?

International students are a vital part of Wisconsin’s higher education system. At UW-Madison, for example:

7,626 international students were enrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year, making up 15% of the total student body.
Chinese students alone account for 53.2% of international students and 7% of all students at UW-Madison.
Across the University of Wisconsin system, there were 10,849 international students in Fall 2024, with most at UW-Madison.

These students pay higher tuition rates, support research, and bring global perspectives to campus. Losing them would mean less money for universities, fewer research breakthroughs, and a less diverse campus environment.

How the Policy Works: The New Visa Process

For students hoping to study in the United States 🇺🇸, the process now looks like this:

Apply for Admission: Students must first apply to a university and be accepted.
Receive Form I-20 or DS-2019: The university sends the student an official form—Form I-20 for F-1 visas (regular students) or Form DS-2019 for J-1 visas (exchange visitors).
3. Schedule a Visa Interview: Normally, students would then book an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. But as of May 28, 2025, no new interviews are being scheduled due to the Trump administration’s pause.
Wait for Approval: Even students already in line for interviews may face long, uncertain delays because of the freeze and new security checks.

For more details on the visa process, students can visit the U.S. State Department’s official visa information page.

The Impact on UW-Madison, UWM, and Concordia

Immediate Effects

Enrollment Drops: With no new student visa interviews, thousands of international students may not arrive for Fall 2025. This is especially serious for UW-Madison, which has the largest international student population in the state.
Financial Losses: International students pay higher tuition, often double or triple what in-state students pay. A drop in their numbers could mean millions of dollars in lost revenue for universities already facing budget cuts.
Research Disruption: Many international students are graduate students who work in research labs. Their absence could slow or stop important projects, hurting the university’s reputation and ability to attract top talent.
Loss of Diversity: International students bring different cultures, languages, and ideas to campus. Fewer international students means less cross-cultural exchange and a less vibrant campus life.

Longer-Term Consequences

Global Reputation at Risk: If the United States 🇺🇸 becomes seen as unwelcoming, top students may choose other countries like Canada 🇨🇦, the UK, or Australia instead. This could hurt the global standing of American universities.
Fewer Partnerships: International students help build connections between universities in different countries. Losing them could make it harder to form research partnerships and exchange programs in the future.

What University Leaders and Officials Are Saying

Governor Tony Evers called the visa interview pause “wrongheaded” and warned it will “scare people away” from the United States 🇺🇸.
UW-Madison spokespersons have not commented directly, saying they have not received clear guidance from the White House.
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman was unavailable for comment, and Marquette University’s international office did not respond to requests.
Federal officials argue that the new rules are needed for national security and to prevent foreign influence, especially from China.

The Numbers: How Many Students Are Affected?

UW-Madison: 7,626 international students in 2023-2024, with 3,569 undergraduates, 3,721 graduate/professional students, and 336 special/visiting students.
Chinese students: Make up 53.2% of international students at UW-Madison, or about 4,060 students.
UW System: 10,849 international students across all campuses in Fall 2024.
UWM and Concordia: Host hundreds of international students each, but exact numbers are not public.

Application Fees and Deadlines

For students still hoping to apply to UW-Madison:

Application fee: $70
Deadlines: Early Action—November 1; Regular Decision—January 16

These fees and deadlines remain in place, but the visa freeze means even accepted students may not be able to attend.

How Are Students and Universities Responding?

International student groups are worried about their future in the United States 🇺🇸. Many fear that even if they are accepted to a university, they may not be able to get a visa in time. Some are considering other countries for their studies.

University administrators are concerned about both the immediate drop in enrollment and the long-term damage to their reputation. They warn that if the Trump administration’s policies continue, it could take years to rebuild trust with international students.

State officials, including Governor Evers, are pushing back against the federal measures, saying they hurt Wisconsin’s economy and educational system.

Why Is This Happening Now?

The Trump administration has a history of tough immigration policies. During President Trump’s first term (2017-2021), there were travel bans and visa restrictions that led to a drop in international student numbers. When President Biden took office, some of these rules were relaxed, and international enrollment began to recover.

But since returning to office in 2025, President Trump has brought back stricter rules, especially for student visas. The administration says these changes are needed for national security and to stop foreign influence, especially from China.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

Short-Term Outlook

Unless the visa interview freeze is lifted soon, universities expect a big drop in new international students for Fall 2025. This could mean empty seats in classrooms, less money for university budgets, and fewer research projects.

Medium-Term Outlook

If the uncertainty continues, universities may try to recruit students from other countries or offer more online classes for those who cannot get visas. But this is not a perfect solution, as many students want the full campus experience.

Long-Term Outlook

If these policies stay in place, Wisconsin universities could lose their edge in attracting the best students from around the world. This could hurt research, innovation, and the state’s economy for years to come.

What Should Prospective International Students Do?

If you are a student hoping to study in the United States 🇺🇸, here are some steps you can take:

Check with your university’s international office for the latest updates. For UW-Madison, visit International Student Services.
Monitor the U.S. State Department’s website for changes to visa interview scheduling and requirements.
Prepare all required documents early, including your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
Consider backup options in other countries if you are unable to get a U.S. visa in time.
Stay in touch with student groups and associations for support and advice.

The Broader Economic and Academic Impact

International students are not just important for universities—they also help the wider economy. They pay for housing, food, transportation, and more. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, international students contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy every year through tuition and living expenses.

A drop in international enrollment could mean:

Less money for local businesses near campuses
Fewer jobs supported by student spending
Reduced innovation, as many international students go on to start companies or work in high-tech fields

Multiple Perspectives on the Policy

University Leaders: Worry about losing top students and research talent to other countries.
State Officials: Argue that the policy hurts Wisconsin’s economy and reputation.
Federal Officials: Say the changes are needed for security and to address concerns about foreign influence.
Students: Feel anxious about their future and frustrated by the sudden changes.

Official Resources for More Information

Final Thoughts and Practical Guidance

The Trump administration’s pause on new student visa interviews and increased vetting measures have created real challenges for international students and the universities that depend on them. If you are a prospective student, it’s important to stay informed, keep your documents ready, and consider all your options. Universities are working hard to support their international communities, but the situation remains uncertain.

For now, the best advice is to check official university and government websites regularly, stay in contact with admissions and international offices, and be prepared for possible delays. If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸, talk to your school’s international office about your visa status and any changes that might affect you.

The coming months will be critical for Wisconsin’s universities, their international students, and the broader community. Everyone involved is hoping for a resolution that allows students from around the world to continue their studies and contribute to campus life in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

F-1 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa for individuals pursuing academic studies in the United States.
J-1 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa category for exchange visitors approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange programs.
Form I-20 → An official United States document issued by a school certifying eligibility for the F-1 student visa.
Form DS-2019 → Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Status, required to apply for a J-1 visa.
Visa Revocation → The cancellation of a previously issued visa, preventing the visa holder from entering or remaining in the U.S.

This Article in a Nutshell

On May 28, 2025, the Trump administration halted student visa interviews worldwide, threatening Wisconsin universities’ enrollment, finances, and research by blocking international students’ access for Fall 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com